Disney’s Most Overlooked Villain Finally Gets Some Love in the Park
Two decades have passed, but Disney finally got the hint. The Emperor’s New Groove is finally receiving its much-deserved attention at Hollywood Studios!
Disney is giving it a real moment. In the new Unfairly Ever After villain show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Yzma has officially joined the elite ranks of bad guys with stage time, and fans of the 2000 animated cult classic are thrilled.
It’s been over twenty years since Yzma first tried to take over the empire (and accidentally turned the emperor into a llama), but she’s now stepping into the spotlight, where she should have been all along.
She’s No Side Character Now
Let’s just get this out of the way: Yzma is not your average Disney villain. She’s not elegant like Maleficent, or musical like Ursula. She’s over-the-top, ridiculous, and absolutely hilarious. But that’s what makes her special—and until now, Disney seemed hesitant to fully embrace that chaotic genius outside of the animated film itself.
That’s changed thanks to Unfairly Ever After, a stage show where the Magic Mirror invites the audience to decide which villain has been treated most unfairly. It’s the perfect setup to showcase characters who have flown under the radar, and Yzma fits that bill flawlessly. Her whole storyline in The Emperor’s New Groove is about being shoved aside after years of service—so giving her a platform in this kind of show is both clever and satisfying.
Not Just a Cameo
Yzma isn’t just thrown into the background or mentioned in passing. She’s got a legit spot in the show, complete with staging, performance, and her own moment to shine. And based on fan reactions so far, she’s one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
She’s not alone, of course. The show is packed with villainous icons like Cruella, Scar, Hades, and Jafar. But seeing Yzma in the same spotlight as those long-established names sends a message: Disney is listening to its fans. The ones who kept quoting Kronk and Yzma long after the credits rolled. The ones who kept the movie alive through memes, home video, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth.
Underrated and Overlooked
It’s worth remembering that The Emperor’s New Groove wasn’t exactly a smash hit when it came out. It had a weird production history, didn’t follow the traditional Disney formula, and felt way more like a buddy comedy than a fairy tale. But all of that worked in its favor with audiences over time.
The movie has aged like fine wine. It’s endlessly quotable, full of clever gags, and completely unique in tone. Yzma and Kronk are one of the most underrated duos in animated film history. And fans have been waiting for Disney to catch up and treat them like the gems they are.
This Show Is a Step in the Right Direction
If Unfairly Ever After proves anything, it’s that Disney can—and should—make more room for its cult classics. People love the big names, sure, but there’s something electric about seeing a character like Yzma finally get her moment in front of a live audience. It’s fun, it’s unexpected, and it opens the door for more surprises down the road.
Whether this leads to more merchandise, more appearances in the parks, or even a stronger presence in Disney’s villain events, one thing’s for sure: fans of The Emperor’s New Groove are finally being heard. Hopefully, this isn’t the end of the cult classic’s attention in the parks. With the new Villains Land underway in Magic Kingdom, there’s all sorts of potential for our beloved Disney villain.
So next time you’re in Hollywood Studios, make it a point to check out Unfairly Ever After. And when Yzma makes her appearance? Cheer a little louder. She’s earned it.
